Nifty News

Faithful Followers

Saturday, January 19, 2008

Julian is free from his cancer ridden body and is now with the Lord. We'll all miss him, but I'm thankful that he is no longer in pain, unable to run and play. Mimi is no longer having to watch her baby waste away a little more each day. Here is the update from Mimi...

Time of Death ,11:22am ... Never thought I would ever hear these words about my 4 1/2 year old son. But this morning , those words got engraved in my mind and my heart forever. Julian fought until the last painful breath. Again NOTHING peaceful about this process until , until he stopped gasping for air.

Julian looked like a fish out of the water, trying so hard to fill those lungs ,but nothing. You could see the normal breathing motions his body made, but nothing got past his throat.Finally he stopped fighting. When he started having a hard time breathing I went to get Ken . He stood on one side of the bed and i was on there with Julian . We talked him thru his transition . We told him it would be ok . We told him we were proud of him . I told him to say Hi to Jesus for me. I told him that Cody and Jacob were waiting for him . I told him that we would be ok . I told him he wouldnt hurt anymore. I told him good night. I told him I loved him . I told him to play and run . The nurse took his shirt off and told us to touch him , that he could feel us and we needed to feel him . I put my hand on his chest. I could feel his heart beat. Then it slowed down . Then I could not feel it anymore. I heard his first heartbeat and felt his last one .

I was texting Debra right before , texted her Julian was gone, she called and got in her car and came. I got Mamie, she told Ju bye.And Papy.

We got the boys and told them . Sam asked if we were sure he was gone. Then he said it was wierd because he didnt feel like crying . Then he asked to hold him . I needed to clean and dress Ju first . Debra got here, helped me a little, cried a lot... They are not supposed to get attached,how can you not get attached to Ju?

I held Julian . Debra gave him a bed bath , as she had been doing for the past few weeks, put lotion all over him , loved and kissed on him . 1 month ago , she didnt even know him , now she is grieving just as we are . That is what Julian is all about . LOVE, unconditional love... He touched Debra, she touched my heart... Ken , Debra, Mamie, Sam , Gma and I held Julian. Maybe others did , I am not sure. Dana and Jessi came.Pastor Kevin and Vicki, Zach and Sam.Diane came by, Pastor Blair and Pat. Vickie and Gerald. Nanny.

It is now 6 something pm. Dana and her family are still here with us . I love those guys! Thank you ... Funeral home men came to get him this afternoon. Ken carried him to the van , with his blankie (his Christmas blankie he would share with every one) one of his mimis and one of his dinosaurs. We dont know any details on viewing and funeral yet. We will let you know, just make sure you have your YELLOW SHIRTS HANDY !!!!

FLY HIGH MUNCHKIN ... I love you all the way to China, you are the best ,you know that? I love your smell too baby...

Your mama, your little mama ...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Several people have emailed me, asking me for Mimi's address so they could send a card to her.I'm sure Mimi would appreciate that. Her address is...Mimi Avery111 Aviator Dr.Fort Worth , Tx 76179

or take a minute to light a cyber candle and send a message to Mimi here.

The internet is an amazing thing. I am sobbing at my computer with happiness for a little boy who no longer has to endure what he has been going through, and with unbelievable sadness for a mother who had to watch her baby go through it. My prayers are with his family, thank you for sharing his story with us.

The tears are free flowing as I read Julian's mom's words. I'm sure Julian's story has touched many more people than you will ever know until you see him again with Jesus. Giving my wee ones some extra hugs tonight.

I just read Mimi's update on carepages my heart breaks for their family, but I know somewhere deep down after the sorrow they know the peace King Julian has now he can run, jump, dance and play like he should. I hope they are comforted by all the prayers they are getting right now and that now Julian is watching over them. Thank you Dawn for using your blog to help Julian and his family touch so many lives.

could you tell Mimi...Julian must be so happy with Jesus tonight...I hope that your tears find peace, and your love have no end...you are such an amazing mom, I am praying and crying for you to have strength, for you and yours to have much love, and for your faith to be a beacon in the darkness.... thank you for reminding me how amazing our Lord is....may he carry you through this journey...

I too receive updates from Julian's care page and I just knew when I saw today that Mimi had updated, before I even read it, that Julian was free... I don't know them personally, but I have followed their long journey and my heart is breaking for the grief that family will experience for a lifetime to come, but I know that it was a blessing for Julian to go home to his heavenly Father and to be free from the pain. My thoughts and prayers are with them...

Dawn, Thank you for sharing Juju's story with us..about 6 weeks ago I started following his carepages and I dreaded the day that I would log on and see that he was gone...I have a 4yr old boy that I just put to bed and then I sat down to check for any updates...I'm so deeply saddened to see that he is gone from this life but I know that he is with our Lord and he is happy...what a sweet little angel...I never knew I could cry so hard for a little boy and family that I never knew in "real life" but I feel like I do know them in my heart..

Praise GOD that Mimi and her family and friends can have peace in the knowledge that King JuJu is in HEAVEN. Julian is running with the angels and dancing with JESUS. Praying for all those who do not have that comfort because they do not belong to THE KING.

I have a four year old little boy and reading about JuJu has touched me beyond words. I can't seem to stop crying. I feel such a loss for Mimi and her family. To read about Mimi's love and trust in Jesus has helped open my eyes to Him. I pray for JuJu and his family and I pray to open my heart to Jesus. Thank you Dawn for sharing this story and thank you to Mimi for allowing JuJu's story to be shared.

Faith, such a small word, such a big meaning. He is with the Lord and is so happy. Faith will get you through this time. Faith will reassure you that he is whole again. Faith will provide you with some measure of comfort. Faith is what got me through my Mother's transition and if I wouldn't have had Faith by my side I would never had made it through her passing. Remember He is with you in all things. We love you and are praying for you. I know he is laying in the arms of Jesus.

I only became aware of Julian through your blog and like many others his story touched my heart. I don't know the family, but i do know that this poem helped me through some difficult losses, and i hope it can help others. Unfortunately I don't know who wrote it to give proper credit, but its still worth posting....

When tomorrow starts without me,And I'm not there to see,If the sun should rise and find your eyesall filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cryThe way you did today,While thinking of the many things,We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,As much as I love you,and each time that you think of me,I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me,Please try to understand,That an angel came and called my name,And took me by the hand,and said my place was ready,In heaven far above,And that I'd have to leave behindAll those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,A tear fell from my eyeFor all my life, I'd always thought,I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for,So much left yet to do,It seemed almost impossible,That I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdaysThe good ones and the bad,I thought of all the love we shared,and all the fun we had

If I could re-live yesterdayJust even for a while,I'd say good-bye and kiss youAnd maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized,That this could never be,For emptiness and memories,would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,I might miss come tomorrow,I thought of you, and when I did,My heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,I felt so much at homeWhen God looked down and smiled at me,From His great golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,And all I've promised you."Today your life on earth is past,But here life starts anew

I promise no tomorrow,But today will always last,And since each day's the same wayThere's no longing for the past.

You have been so faithful,So trusting and so true.Though there were timesYou did some thingsYou knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgivenAnd now at last you're free.So won't you come and take my handAnd share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,Don't think we're far apart,For every time you think of me,I'm right here, in your heart.

So much of Mimi's note touched me... Just how she writes that Julian touched Debra--HE touched each and every one of us who has had the joy of reading about his journey. I cried when I read that Mimi heard his first heartbeat, and felt his last one.

And just now, my Tukey knocked on the office door and peeked at me through the French door windows and I said, "What baby?" And I thought, "What would I do without him?"

My heart goes out to Julian's family. Though a short life, how blessed you were to have had him as yours. Truly blessed. I will continue to pray for your family.

God Bless You, Julian! May you run and play and just be free. I know you will watch over your family and share in everything that they go through forever.

Dawn, thank you for giving us updates and please pass on our sympathies to Julian's family.

My father passed away from cancer, also -- at 11:22 pm, 14 years ago. I know it's not like watching your child pass away, but I was there when he passed and I just felt such a peace for him when it finally happened. I know Julian's family is feeling the same right now.

Float on King Julian! You are such a beautiful boy, inside and out. I only read about 5 updates from your Mama, she loves you SO much!! She was with you everyday of your entire life!! My thoughts have been filled with you all day, and I just knew you had been freed from your pain. I am so very happy that the hard part is over for you. And my heartbreaks for your mom. But she will be ok. She is obviously a very, very strong woman.

Dawn thank you for sharing Julian's care page information and bringing this little guy into my life.

I think this is the saddest blog entry I've ever read. Thanks for posting it. I had two babies, and they are now 38 and 40 years old. I can't even imagine what it would have been like to bid them goodbye at such a young age.

What a blessing Juian's life was, and what a joy his freedom in Heaven is now. I cried when reading this. What a strong boy to go through so much. And, what strong parents to watch him go through it all. God bless this dear family.

Dawn, I want to thank you for sharing Julian with us interneters. I have found his story just amazing and his mothers great strength astonishing. I'm just heart broken that his family had to go thru this, but happy that Julian is free from his sick earthly body. Thank you again for "introducing" us.

Never has a little boy and his and his family's courage touched me like this. So many of us tuned in to every update.When I got home from church and saw the email telling me the page had been updated somehow I just knew.........

Thank you so much for sharing Julian and his family through your blog. And thank you, Mimi, for allowing us into your life. I truly believe that the power of prayer by many can be incredible. It gives strength to the weak and hope to the forgotten. From the prayers written here today, and the prayers said by those who have only read, Julian's family will have everything they need to get through this difficult time.

What will we do now? I checked on Julian every morning when I woke up, and every night before bed. And I am just an outside observer who was smitten with that little boy. What about his family? The ones who had the honor of being part of his world. What will they do tomorrow and next week, next month, next year? I guess we turn our attention to the survivors... his parents, brothers, grandparents...this next step is perhaps worse than the last...living without our little king. Love and peace to all who knew and loved him,Patty

Thanks for letting us know about Julian. I cried this evening reading his CarePages update - especially since not only do I have a 4-1/2 year old but also because our good friend's son (age 5) has just this week finished treatment for cancer. Robbie is expected to fully recover, I'm SO sorry that Julian didn't. I also loved the link to the candle lighting site. Gratefullness.org is local to Ithaca, NY (where we live). Good thoughts to all.

Although I am sad that Julian is not longer with us, I am grateful that he is no longer in pain and suffering. I pray now that his family can begin to heal, as much as is possible with the loss of a child. I know that Julian is up there in heaven looking down on his family and caring for them in a way that he could no longer do here on earth. God Bless Angel Julian.

My heart is breaking and the tears are flowing. While Julian is in a better place and pain free at last, this is still the most horrible thing that can ever happen to a parent. Losing a child. I can't even imagine the pain and grief his family must be feeling.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family tonight. May God Bless you and your Angel Julian.

I just read my email and saw that Mimi updated JuJu's care page. I have never met Mimi or Julian. I have just gotten to "know" them through your blog. So the last couple of months I have been checking in on him. My point to saying this, the words, "Time of Death" hit me like a truck. My feelings are mixed. Relief for him and his family. Happy for him, My personal belief (I hope that's Ok to post this Dawn?) is that he is with his Heavenly Father and Jesus again. So I am happy for him to be returning to them. Grief for his sweet "little mama" and family. I have five kids and I cannot even begin to imagine what this last year has been like for them. I think Thankful is the main feeling. Thankful to know, "We Keep Moving Forward". This Life is not the end. And soooo Thankful to know that Mimi and her family have that knowledge aswell. It will bring them comfort and peace in moments ahead.

I rarely comment, but now I feel I must.I, too, was following the story of this very special boy. How privileged his family is to have had him and to have cared for him, and how privileged Julian was to have a family such as his.

I can undoubtedly say that nobody who has known Julian has a dry face right now.

Wishing you peace in your mourning. May you find comfort in the fact that Julian is so happy now, happier than he has been for months!

OMG. The tears that are flowing for this little boy. As I sit here I find it hard to type becasue my eyes are burning from crying. Juju thank you dear one for touching our hearts. For making this mamma realize that I need to feel blessed not stressed about my kids. For making me realize that life is so precious. Dear sweet child may you fly high in heaven romp play and have a grand time till we all come to meet you. Dawn I want to thank you as well for touching me with these updates on Juju. Makes a mom open her eyes and relaize that even when the toilets overflowing to give your kids a kiss.

You're in a better place, I've heard a thousand timesAnd at least a thousand times I've rejoiced for youBut the reason why I'm broken, the reason why I cryIs how long must I wait to be with you

I close my eyes and I see your faceIf home's where my heart is then I'm out of placeLord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehowI've never been more homesick than now

Help me Lord cause I don't understand your waysThe reason why I wonder if I'll ever knowBut, even if you showed me, the hurt would be the sameCause I'm still here so far away from home

I close my eyes and I see your faceIf home's where my heart is then I'm out of placeLord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehowI've never been more homesick than now

In Christ, there are no goodbyeAnd in Christ, there is no endSo I'll hold onto Jesus with all that I haveTo see you againTo see you again

And I close my eyes and I see your faceIf home's where my heart is then I'm out of placeLord, won't you give me strength to make it through somehowWon't you give me strength to make it through somehowWon't you give me strength to make it through somehow

Mimi is an angel, I couldn't imagine what she is going through. I will keep her and her family in my prayers as I have for the past few weeks. I am now more grateful for my children and their health than ever. Today each and every parent should take a few minutes out of their busy day and tell their children how much they love and cherish them in honor of Julian and his amazing family.

I tried to send a candle but it needs an email address. In a world that often seems so heartless and uncaring, it is a joy to read of the compassion and love for one little unknown boy. Thank you for sharing his story. May the God of all comfort and peace be with his family right now.

Such a special little boy, this world is now a lesser place withut him. Although this event is sad, his pain and suffering is over, and we must be happy for the life ha had and enjoyed. Having been in this situation myself with our 13 month old, i just hope mimi is doing ok and has the strength to keep going.

What a gift this little boy has given to many strangers. We will all hug our children tighter today. We will let the "little things" go today. We will be thankful for the time to spend with each other. We will be relieved that a spirit flies free and suffering has gone. We will count the days til we see each other again. Thank you, Julian.

But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. We who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1Thessalonians 4.13, 17,18)

Oh Dawn! What a wonderful and painful post. I am relieved that he is at peace but just heart broken for a family that should never be in that situation. Such strength. It might be the fact that I am about to give birth to my own son anyday now, but I cant keep the tears from falling. My heart and prayers go out to the family. Thank you for being the go between for him. I know God and I know that Julian is much happier now!

This just breaks my heart, especially her comments about his last moments & feeling his last heartbeat. That just tore me up.

I have 5 children 9-22 and I can not imagine the pain his family is going through. But knowing that he's no longer in pain, that he's able to run and jump and take a deep, deep breath is comforting. This makes me realize the dirty towels on the floor, the chaotic bedrooms, the petty arguments are not important, but that their very presence is.

Thank you for sharing Julian's story with us. My heart both aches and is at peace for both Julian and his family. I cried as I read Mimi's words and know what a brave, strong woman she is. I pray for Julian and for his family for peace and healing. Julian is a beautiful angel now and I can just imagine how it feels to be finally free.

Can hardly see to type through my tears. Mimi, what an amazing mama you are. Thank you for sharing your son.Julian, say hi to Jesus and introduce yourself to my 3 babies. Aubrey, Jamie and Lee. I am so glad you are free.............

Though tears pour from my eyes, there is joy in my heart, for Julian was a truly wonderful being, who is now free :)[candle][candle][candle]peace be with him, and his family.thankyou so much for sharing with us.

There couldnt be a parent in the world right now who, having read your blog tonight Dawn, could possibly be feeling anymore than a sense of loss for Mimi and her family.God bless all of Julians family and send to them our heart felt thoughts and prayers to help support them through the most difficult of times.Rest in peace Julian and know that you have touched the hearts of millions of people. Once again our loss is Gods gain, sweet angel.

I am crying so hard I can barely type right now, because I cannot imagine the heartache of losing a child. My little girl is 4 and I look at her and wonder, could I be nearly as strong in my faith as Mimi has been? What a true testament to God she is! I hope Mimi knows that all over the world tonight there are people that will be bowing their heads and praying that God will continue to hold her and her family in His hand, and carry her through this time. And although it is hard, part of me is so glad knowing that Julian is free of the pain that he has suffered for so long here, and rejoicing with all of the angels in heaven.

Dawn, I've been following Julian's story on your blog for a while now. Looking at Mimi's address I just now realized that she lives less than 2 miles from me! I am sobbing at my computer right now. I am so sad for Mimi's loss, one that I cannot even begin to imagine. I can only pray that her faith gets her through. Watch over your mama Julian, and Mimi - Know that your baby boy will be waiting for you in Heaven. He's being taken care of by his Heavenly Father now.

I found Julian's page through this blogg.Each day I logged in and held my breath to see how he was. When I logged in to see he had died I just knew before I read the words.

I was at a church meeting on Friday night and we prayed for children with cancer - I prayed for Julian and asked God to help him. I think my prayers were answered as Julian is now free from all suffering and pain.Run free little one.

Please, let us not forget him because he is now gone and let's not soon forget this wonderful family we have come to know. Thank you for the address and the links. Are they in need of donations and if so, is there a special place or should we just mail them?

Dawn,Thank-you for sharing the story of King JuJu with us. I have followed his carepages for some time now. How a little boy that I have never met could leave his hanprints in my heart and soul I will never know. I had grown to love that lil one and he will be missed by so many.Then there is the strength of Mimi, with her words she has taoght me so much. A mother's love is a beautiful thing!!!Now I must go and hug my children.Good-bye King JuJu, fly high to the Angels. We all love you!!!!!Jeanette in MI

I have never commented before, but I must comment now.~To Julian (Juju): Thank you for living long enough to touch our hearts with your love and strength. Thank you for showing us what true courage is; to fight the most worthy of battles, to never lose hope, and to give hope to others. Jesus, I want you to hug and dance with Julian tonight. I'll never forgive you if you dont. :)~To Mimi: Thank you for showing us true courage, love, and faith, in such a pure and devoted way. You are definitely a woman blessed by God, and I hope above all else that your few, beautiful years with Julian will only strengthen your relationship with God and your compassion for other people. My thoughts and prayers go with you, such as they are.~To Dawn: Thank you for following Juju in his pain, happiness, sorrow, and courage as he fought cancer with such glorious strength, and allowing us blog-readers to see his truly magnificent short life and his strong and noble death. Julian's short life was by no means in vain.Love to you all, Jenu

God Bless that baby and his family.I have been following this story for a little while now and had no idea until I just saw the address posted that they live so close to me.I have a 10 year old daughter and 4 year old son and can't even begin to imagine going through this with them. I will continue to keep Julian and his family in my prayers.

Thank you for sharing this Dawn.What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful and fine young man.Thank you for sharing about him and thank you for caring!I am so glad to know he will see his family again and that He is feeling God's love and joy like never before. I will be praying for his family and friends. Thank you for reaching out and helping this dear family Dawn. I'm sending them a card tonight.God bless,Elaine

Fly high little Julian! Fly with the angels and lay in the lap of Jesus! Your precious life here on earth is gone but your eternal life in heaven is forever. You made a dent in the lives of so many and your parents are lucky to have you as a son!!!!

God speed, sweetie, and don't forget to kiss your family now and then to let them know your happy!

Thank you Dawn for introducing little Julian to us. I can't believe how much I'm crying for a little boy I never met. He has touched my life so much in the short time I knew him. My heart is breaking for his family, and I am holding my boys a little tighter tonight. God bless you, Julian!

i originally started keeping up with julian only out of sheer curiousity at how it would feel to go through something so terrible. mimi opens her heart so much to let you understand, you feel as though it is you who is going through that. i have been making sure to get on the computer every day to check on him. i knew the time was coming. but, as it should happen, i hadnt checked for a couple days. dawn, i opened your page, and for some reason sundays sound out didnt come up. it was the previous post and i saw julians name and instantly covered my mouth. to know that it can happen soo fast...i just cant even put into words the way i feel.

It's amazing how Julian and the strength of his mom and family have touched SO many people! As I read of his death, I cried. Being a mom, I can't imagine the pain that his family went through. He was a little angel on earth and now he is with God; free from pain. Rest in peace, Julian, and God be with his family as they mourn.

I hope everyone knows how lucky they are to have had Julian touch their lives. Whether for only a day, a moment or his whole amazing time here with us. Even though it was so hard and such a trial, he has done so much for the world in so little time.

I never met my son before he passed, (I say son, but I don't really know for sure). Maybe Julian can give him a hug for me now.

Dawn, thank you for sharing Julian's story with everyone. What a brave little guy. My heart breaks for his family, I can't imagine what they're going through. I'm glad for his mom that she has your humor to look forward to. Don't underestimate the power of a laugh.

Thanks Dawn, for helping Mimi share Julian with me. I kept up with him through your blog until I needed to know more about him around Thanksgiving...that little guy gripped my soul and never let go. I have a 3 year old little guy who had problems off the bat when he was born, so I empathize with the Averys, and am renewed in my thankfulness that our little guy pulled through. I can't imagine the enormous void that their family feels right now, and I pray that the Lord will help ease their loss with their memories of the happier times with him. I've read this entry probably half a dozen times now, and each and every time I tear up, grateful that Julian is rid of his malicious disease, devastated for his family's loss, hopeful that they'll remain faithful and that one day they will all be reunited. I dedicated my last blog to him...I only read about him for a short while...but the King had a way of hugging my soul right along with everyone else :o) What a great gift!

There are not enough words--or maybe its that there just aren't the right ones. There just aren't. Here's a challenge, once you can see through your tears...PLEASE donate to something in honor of Julian--Dawn's link to St. Jude's is right there. If you haven't done it take the time and do it now!

Dawn I cried as I read about Julien's death. I always checked his care page with a bit of dread, hoping I woldn't see that Mimi had posted his death. I checked your blog first before getting into the carepages and found out here instead. He is no longer suffering and for that I am thankful. He is with the Lord and beign a normal happy 4 yr old, doing the things that 4 year olds should do. Rest Easy Little King Man